STEPS FOR BUILDING THE CO/TM DEFENSE * BUILDING AN ENGAGEMENT AREA * OCCUPY AND PREPARE A CO/TM DEFENSIVE POSITION
PREPARE A BATTLE POSITION * RECON A BATTLE POSITION * DEFENSE PRIORITIES OF WORK * VEHICLE FIGHTING POSITIONS
ORGANIZE AN ENGAGEMENT AREA * RANGE CARD/SECTOR SKETCH/FIRE PLAN * PRE-STOCK AMMO/CRITICAL SUPPLIES * EMPLOY ACE/DOZER
STEPS FOR BUILDING THE CO/TM DEFENSE
A. Receive mission (WARNO/ FRAGO/ OPORD)
1. Planning begins at receipt of WARNO (tactical, CSS, and personnel)
B. Conduct WARNO commanderŐs estimate/ Form tenative plan
1. Consider enemy situation (IPB)
- What is the area of operation/interest
- Enemy force size, type mission
- Avenues of approach
2. Status of friendly forces
3. Initial time analysis
- Critical analysis of TF timeline if provided;
solicit information of TF scheduled events if not provided for in the WARNO
- Make initial estimate of time for CO/TM;
identify time available critical tasks and priority.
C. Issue intial WARNO #1 (begin PCI rehearsals)
1. Include necessary details for movement, rehearsals, PCIs ,security of CO/TM
2. Recon as applicable or available.
D. Begin initial movement
1. Scouts screen
2. Counter recon
3. Occupation plan (ops)
E. Recon: CDR, with FIST & ENG meet PLs in each BP to recon prior to OPORD
F. Attend BN/TF OPORD and finalize CO/TM plans
1. At a minumum CO/TM CDRŐs get
a. R&S plan overlay/matrix
b. OPS graphics
c. Fire support overlay/matrix
d. ENG overlay/matrix
e. CSS grapics
f. Time schedule
2. Complete CO/TM orders while platoon leaders initiate TLPs at their level
BUILDING AN ENGAGEMENT AREA
A. Decide where to kill the enemy and considerÉ
- Where he wants to go, will go, and can go
- Asset integration, (M1, M2, M113s, AT4, TOWs, CAS, FS, mines)
- Where his rate of advance can be stopped and where his mutually
supporting formations and his ability to mass
can be disrupted, choke points, reverse slope.
- Terrain that allows you max dispersion and depth and
maximizes your protection, firepower mobility while minimizing his
- Constructing EA to force enemy to fight in a minimum of two directions at once
B. Mark TRPs for massing fires on specific AoAs and mobility
corridors and TRPs for controlling platoon fires
C. Identify and mark proposed obstacle locations
D. Consider obstacles that turn, fix disrupt, block:
1. Support the CDRŐs intent
2. Canalize the enemy into the EA or keep him there
3. Force enemy to turn and expose flank
4. Disrupt his mutually supporting fires/formations
5. Slow his rate of speed
6. Protect the BP
7. Support the scheme of maneuver
8. Covered by fire
9. Tied-in to existing obstacle
10. Employed in depth
11. Employed for surprise
E. Template friendly positions
1. Identify proposed PLT battle positions based upon terrain
and enemy situation template and type of EA you are gong to construct.
2. Identify platoon/section and mark it on map
a. Platoon positions are based on proposed task/purpose for each platoon
b. Position weapons for provide mutual support within the EA. And on AoAs into the adjacent BPs
c. Position platoons in depth to hit the enemy from the flanks
or the rear throughout his formations;
depth is built using terrain in relation to the EA and the enemy
d. Avoid positioning soldiers and weapons directly in the path of the enemy attack
3. Identify CO/TM/PLT positions. Consider TF target responsibilities.
F. Develop initial CO/TM fire plans
1. Consider IPB
a. How the enemy wants to attack his formation, speed, AoAs, etc
b. What will you see first? (composition of enemy by vehicle type & number)
Where? (what avenues of approach will those elements use)
c. Integrate with terrain and weather
2. Is there a TF plan and are there TF control measures,
such as TRPs, FSCLs maximum / minimum engagement lines, etc.
3. Where do you want to kill the enemy? where is your EA? Maximum engagement lines?
4. Integrate direct fires into your CO/TM fire plan
5. When do you want to kill the enemy; how will you initiate/shift fire?
a. Event (trigger point)
b. On command (radio or signal)
c. Timed (consider relay, shift, movement time)
6. How will you control fires to disrupt locally and in depth?
a. Dividing the EA.
b. Sectors
c. Closest TRP
d. Fire pattern
e. Target array quadrants
f. Quadrants
7. How will you integrate indirect fires, where, when
a. Use of mortars versus artillery
b. Nominate targets if existing target does not support scheme of maneuver
c. Prioritize targets
d. Determine triggers for targets
e. Identify primary/alternate observers for target responsibilities
8. How will you maximize the principles of direct fires?
a. Mass
b. Leaders control fires
c. Understood by all
d. Focus
e. Distribute
f. Rehearsals
9. Designate techniques of engagement:
a. Simultaneous
b. Alternating
c. Observed
10. Designate patterns of fire
a. Cross fire
b. Frontal
c. Depth
11. Where will CDRs be located in order to control fires,
back up plan for initiation, rehearse both plans for battlefield execution.
G. Issue the OPORD while overlooking engagement area
H. Supervise
OCCUPY AND PREPARE A CO/TM DEFENSIVE POSITION
A. Companies occupy the battle position/site weapons
1. Comander links up with his CO/TM brought to BP under control of 1SG/ XO
a. Brief subordinate leaders on basic plan
b. Execute CO/TM security plan
2. Move vehicles/weapons into designated positions
3. Verify using weapons sites, that they can hit intended area.
Technique: lay down simulating you are in your completed vehicle position
4. Drive the EA while gunners/PLs make range card and sector sketches and proof for dead space
5. Identify dead space cover with indirect fire
6. Coordinate with adjacent units and confirm or deny ability
to tie in and have overlapping fires and ability to cover any dead space
7. Identify and mark trigger lines(same method as TRPs)
8. Prepare range cards and sector sketches,
master gunners inspects range cards and collects platoon leaders
prepared sector sketches for distribution to CO/TM and TF
B. Arrange CSS: Coordinate with CTCP for CSS requirements LOGPAC,
restock, barrier material, additional support.
C. Rehearsal of engagement area
1. Rehearse fire plan
2. Purpose is to ensure every leader and soldier understands the plan,
and can hit intended areas with direct fire
3. Controlled by commander over the radio from position in BP,
each soldier and member of crew positions himself where he plans
to fight the battle and talk to the commander over the radio net or land line.
4. Conducted normally by the XO with company trains vehicles driving through
each part of the EA, and on each AoA CO/TM and platoons practice issuing
fire commands and ensure that CO/TM can mass at least 2/3 of its fire power in each part of the EA.
5. Illustrate how obstacles and indirect fires are integrated with direct fire.
6. Rehearse displacement within the BP and time move to new battle positions.
(worst case is night in MOPP IV)
7. FIST and FOs verify and identify trigger lines for indirect fires
to the CO/TM establish timing of fires
8. Rehearsal is conducted using the crawl, walk, run method,
ending with the XO moving through the EA, at the doctrinal rate of march for the enemy
9. Rehearse closing of lanes and engineer exit routes
10. Finalize CO/TM fire plan-adjust based on EA. Rehearsal
11. Prepare positions. Be prepared for dozers/ SEEs to arrive
D. Dozer control techniques
1. Ensure thorough planning, for controlling blade assets and eliminating down time.
2. Establish responsibility for controlling these assets and a time schedule.
3. CINC dozer = MG, CSM
4. Ensure prior to digging that weapons positions are verified
at ground level by lying down in location to simulate turret engagement height
5. ID requirements/priorites for digging in CL V pre-stocks
E. Update OPORD with FRAGO
1. Every 3-5 hours in different parts of the BP to supervise and to let CO/TM leaders see each area
2. PLs brief commander on status of area each meeting
a. Maintenance status
b. Personnel
c. Progress of fighting positions
d. Progress of obstacles
e. Any problems or required support
3. CDR briefs the following
a. Changes to plan
b. Update on enemy situation
Update to CO/TM and TF chief, ADA and engineers (as applicable) brief changes and updates to basic OPORD
RECON A BATTLE POSITION
A. Prep for recon
1. Composition of recon element (leaders)
2. Transportation
3. Security
4. Position marking equipment-day & night
5. Five-point contingency plan in absence of key leaders
B. Conduct recon
1. Move to primary vantage point
2. Provide for local security at all times
3. Identify on the ground
a. Company BP, sector of fire
b. Enemy avenues of approach-mounted/ dismounted
c. Designated kill zone
d. Wadis/low ground
e. Enemy overwatch positions
f. Natural obstacles
g. Location of friendly obstacle
h. Platoon BP/sector of fire
4. Select and mark Ml/M2/TOW fighting positions
a. Dispersion min 300 meters apart/ 200 in depth
b. Standoff 1500 meters
c. Avoids detection
d. Flank shots
5. Select alternate platoon BP for smoke obscuration
6. Select platoon/company hide positions
7. Develop rough draft sector sketch (Card C360-C363)
C. Debrief key leaders (sand table or vantage point)
- Company BP
- Enemy avenues-mounted/dismounted
- Engagement area
- Friendly obstacle(s) and intent
- Platoon BPs/sector of fire
- Platoon alternate BPs for smoke
- Platoon hide positions
- Company assembly area
- Individual fighting positions
D. Develop unit OPORD
PREPARE A BATTLE POSITION
A. Leaders recon/tie-in battle positions
B. Unit moves to designated BP
1. Inform CDR of displacement
2. Occupy hide positions
C. CDR issues verbal OPORD for BP from vantage point overlooking EA, if possible
1. Enemy avenues of approach/kill zone/EA
2. TF TRPs/CO TRPs
3. Company trains location
4. Location of obstacles
5. Location of pre-planned arty targets
6. Location and purpose of dismounted infantry
7. Alternate RP for smoke
8. Dig plan
D. PLT conducts hasty occupation of BP
1. Mark fighting positions
2. Make range card (2 copies)
3. PL confirms positions
4. Unit return to hide position
E. PLs complete sector sketch (5 copies: CDR, self, and each crew)
F. PL backbrief commander
G. Unit rehearses movement and occupation of BP
H. CDR/XO/1SG ensures fighting positions are dug, obstacles emplaced, pre-stocks are completed
VEHICLE FIGHTING POSITIONS
1. Dig coordination: coordination for dig assets in the defense should begin in the operations order.
Possible consolidation/link up points for blade assets with fuelers and maintenance
support need to be published to ensure a smooth transition between defense and offense.
Critical information the maneuver CDR needs to provide to ensure a well developed
survivability mission includes the following
- number of vehicles by type
- priority for survivability positions
- time line the blade assets
- ensure link-up point and time
- define, disengagement procedures
2. Dig preparation: after coordinating with engineer company headquarters,
the following preparations need to be conducted to maximize hours on
the battle positions.
- Designate exact locations of fighting positions
- Mark fighting positions with pickets
- Ensure link-up with blade assets
- Conduct early linkup with engineer platoon leader
- Employ CINC dozer
- Create sketch of battle position if possible
- Ensure vehicle commanders awake and aware of the survivability mission
- provide a eight or ten digit grid for each sited position to the engineer leader
3. Marking criteria: marking survivability positions is a unit responsibility.
Corners need to be marked with u-shaped pickets and engineer tape during
the daylight & chemlites at night.
4. An early linkup with the engineer platoon leader is critical to ensure that
the proposed dig locations are within the constraints of the equipment and the
battle position covers any obstacles forward of the battle position.
5. Siting survivability positions: poorly constructed survivability positions may be caused by
inexperienced operators but are more likely the result of poor location and poor soils.
Therefore it is critical that the vehicle commander and the equipment operator actually
stand on the ground and communicate the needs of the vehicle commander and the intent of the
survivability position. The operator may affect the placement of the survivability position
but the fighting vehicle commander is ultimately responsible for the fighting position
and must proof it with his vehicle
6. Control of blades: to ensure control of blade assets upon arrival at the BP follow the guidelines:
- have vehicle commanders and the CINC dozer link up with blade assets on arrival.
Vehicle CDR needs to walk the blade to the sighted position
- Establish a linkup point for the blade assets which have completed a
survivability position, or have the next TC waiting for the blade to complete preceeding position
- Inquire about fuel and rations: men and machines need fuel
- Establish a maintenance point which will not interfere with
the normal operations or compromise security
7. Proofing: all vehicle commanders will proof the hole once at 25% complete to
ensure it meets the intent. Holes which are too narrow, or have entrance
ramps dug too steep, or have other defects need to be identified so corrective
action can be completed before it becomes too late.
8. Camouflage: it is a maneuver unitŐs responsibility to ensure that a survivability
position is camouflaged. Fresh spoil is readily visible due to different soil types
and moisture content. If camouflage is not used, detection by enemy is greatly enhanced.
Look at each position from the EA and match the position to the surrounding terrain/vegetation.
9. Turnover: once a survivability position is completed the maneuver unit is responsible
for the position
10. Planning factors: as an expedient means to determine the percentage complete of
a fighting position, the following data is provided:
Length Width Hull Turret
M1 1.5 ACE lengths 2 ACE blade widths Midway between ACE ACE operator
bladetop & pivot shoulder height
2 D7 lengths 1.5 D7 blade widths Top of D7 Top of
battery box operator head
M2 1.25 ACE Lengths 1.75 ACE blade widths One helmet above Top of
ACE blade in ACE
spring mode windshield
1.5 D7 lengths 1.5 D7 blade widths Top of Top of
D7 housing D7 smokestack
Note: it is the crewŐs responsibility for the construction of the fighting position.
The crew will proof the fighting position before releasing the blade operator.
DEFENSE PRIORITIES OF WORK
1. See change of mission checklist - defense
2. After receiving TF warning order:
A) Issue warning order with tentative timeline
B) Move to vicinity of BP/sector - position vehicles
C) Designate sectors of fire
D) Establish local security & emplace air guards, NBC alarms LP/OP
E) Upgrade status of class I, III, V
3. Conduct leaderŐs recon
A) Designate enemy avenues of approach into sector
B) Designate where you want to kill the enemy
C) Establish TRPs & identify FIST location & trigger lines
D) Develop tentative obstacle plan to support scheme of defense
E) Designate subordinate unit positions (array forces)
F) Move forward and view BP from EA while subordinate commanders recon their tentative BP
4. Issue OPORD
A) Backbriefs from all subordinates
B) Graphics to all subordinates
C) Publish timeline for defense prepositioning
D) Coordinate with adjacent units
5. Preparation of defense
A) Post individual positions, TRPs, EAs, FPL, FPF, and routes
B) Post alternate and supplementary positions
C) If unit relocated, re-establish security/ chemical alarms/ LP/OP and air guards.
D) Establish link-up point with engineer assets
E) Construct fighting position (2-tier if possible)
F) Prepare, inspect and collect range cards
G) Develop platoon sector sketch / fire plan
H) Develop and submit to TF MCP company fire plan.
I) Clear fields of fire/ place aiming stakes
J) Boresight/zero weapons & conduct pre-fire checks
K) Ensure dismount positions have overhead cover
L) Proof fighting positions & sight weapons systems
M) Emplace assigned and hasty obstacles
N) Establish unit casualty collection point
O) Establish barrier guards
P) Report exact obstacle location to the MCP
Q) Establish EPW collection point
R) Summit daily 5599-E (2406)
S) Conduct rehearsals (movement/ direct & indirect fires)
T) Establish sleep plans
U) Conduct LOGPAC
ORGANIZE AN ENGAGEMENT AREA
A. CommanderŐs planning tasks
1. CDR identifies specific weapon locations for each system
2. CDR establishes direct fire control measures to describe the orientation of the weapons as they relate to the EA
3. Far side of EA should not extend beyond 2000 meters from the furthest forward tank/IFV, near side no closer than 800 meters from those weapon systems
4. CDR combines weapon systems to form platoon locations
5. The ability to engage the threat from the flank with interlocking weapons in depth is key to building the EA
6. Designate max engagement line
7. Designate a trigger line to begin shooting
8. Designate a break line to avoid decisive engagement
9. Plot mounted avenues on map
10. Plot limits of assigned kill zone
11. Plot each position
- Outline range fan of each system: M1: 4000 meters max;
Dragon/25mm 1800 meters max; TOW 3750 meters max
12. Plot obstacle location
13. Confirm the following
a. Assigned kill zone is completely covered by direct fire
b. At least two weapons per PLT cover the entire kill zone
c. At least three weapons cover the obstacle, bypasses and holding area
d. Weapon dispersion (min 300m lateral). Depth (min 200m and standoff (1500m) is met
B. CommanderŐs inspection tasks
1. Inspect each fighting position to confirm exact location
2. Drive enemy avenues through kill zone to confirm the following
a. Each M1/M2/ 113/TOW position is hard to detect
b. Confirm range and intervisibility lines
c. TRP locations/assignments
d. Obstacle coverage
e. Dead space locations
f. Proof each fighting position
3. Occupy gunners seat of each tank killing system to confirm
a. Accuracy of range card
b. TRP assignments/locations
c. Range/sectors of fire
d. Line of sight of direct-fire weapons
e. Dead space limitations
f. Check AA corridor widths to see where it is advantageous for enemy to change location or direction
g. check deception plan
4. TC/BC conducts backbrief to PL
C. CommanderŐs rehearsal tasks
1. Complete weapons boresighting
2. Unit occupies all fighting positions
3. FIST occupies OP
D. Conduct kill zone rehearsal N IGHT TARGET ENGAGEMENT
Target engagement
- Target detection at night can be improved from a light source
offset from the observers line of sight this produces contrasts
that differ from straight-on vision and helps improve camouflage
penetration. I.e. trip flares, mortar illum rounds, etc.
- Interlocking sectors of night vision observation are as important as interlocking fires
- Thermal viewers should be kept on wide field of view until
engagement. This prevent gaps between systems. Aids in target
detection and reduces eye strain
- Rotate gunners and other nod users frequently eye strain degrades performance rapidly
- NVDs can also spot laser range finders
that are pulsing, the image is a streak of light across the field of view
- TRPs should not give away your EA shield the source of heat or light or use TRPs as deception
- An engineerŐs u-shaped picket is ideal for a chemlite TRP.
Face the -t- toward friendly forces with the chemlite inside the -u-
- For a thermal- picket, join two 9-volt batteries at the
terminals and wedge them into the -u- of the picket; these last about six hours
- Cans of burning diesel slurry or charcoal must be shielded
by plywood or some other material to block transmission of the heat source to the enemy.
- Tracer rounds can be used to illuminate a target or other area for observation by an NVG
- Never forget that tracers work both ways
- During periods of thermal crossover, intensify observation
efforts by other complimentary means such as NVG, binoculars and patrols
- Muzzle flash gives away your location Đ move frequently
- When setting a defense at night, dead space can be determined by
putting a chemlite on the back of a soldierŐs LBE and having him walk the EA.
If METT-T allows, a vehicle may also be used by searching through thermal sights
for vehicle exhaust, however, since exhaust can move away from the vehicle and
is subject to wind and other conditions, this technique can be tough to employ.
RANGE CARD/SECTOR SKETCH/FIRE PLAN
A. Vehicle range card
1. Receive/select fighting position and sector of fire
2. Plot key terrain
3. Plot vehicle position IFV/113/tank symbol
4. Plot sector
5. Plot TRP, indicate ID number and range to TRP
6. Plot dead space and barriers
7. Plot range to likely target location
8. Plot desired artillery/mortar fires
9. Plot max engagement lines
10. Plot weapons reference point
11. Identify range card by vehicle number
12. Provide leader with clean copy
B. Squad leader/Tank Commander sector sketch
1. Main terrain features in the sector and range to each primary position
2. EAs
3. Primary and secondary sectors for each position
4. M249 or M60 FPLs or PDFs
5. Type of weapon in each position
6. TRPs
7. OPs
8. Dead space
9. Obstacles
10. Maximum engagement lines for all weapons
C. Platoon/company fire plans
1. Platoon/section EAs
2. Vehicle and squad positions
3. Primary sectors of fire or EAs
4. Remount points
5. AT and M249/ M60 position and sectors of fire
6. M249/ M60 FPL/PDF
7. MEL for BF/tanks
8. OPs
9. TRPs
10. Mines/obstacles
11. FPF
12. Priority of engagement by target type for each bumper number (sniper tanks looking for C2 vehicles, tanks with overwatch of obstacle looking for ENG vehicles, etc.)
13. Position and sector of adjacent unit vehicles
PRE-STOCK AMMO/CRITICAL SUPPLIES
A. General rules
1. Limit pre-stocks of class V specified in OPORD
2. Guard all pre-stocks, if possible
3. Protect them from indirect fire and NBC contamination
4. Prepare pre-stocks for destruction to avoid capture
5. Do not base plan on pre-stock availability
B. Location
1. Rear of CO/TM or PLT battle position (100-200 meters) (adjust for METT-T)
2. Covered area (18"of overhead cover -3 sandbags thick)
3. Covered routes from fighting position to pre-stock position
4. Hull down position of vehicle fighting position
(either buried under vehicle so that vehicle provides overhead cover,
or in side of BP, with overhead lumber/sandbags)
C. Pre-stock quantities (fill in the blanks for each operation)
EMPLOY ACE/DOZER
1. BN ENG schedules ACEs/dozers in OPORD
2. BN ENG adjusts schedule based upon blade deadlines
3. ENG A&O PL responsibilities
a. Moves blades as per are timeline schedule
b. Maintains class I/III for crew/blades
c. Reports status to ENG CO MCP regularly
4. Maneuver unit responsibilities
a. XO links up with blades at contact point
b. Ensures proper utilization in CO/TM area
c. Reports blade malfunctions to A&O PL
d. XO returns blades to contact point on schedule
5. BN CSM or MG is CINC dozer at BN/TF level
a. Escorts blades between CO/TM positions and links them up w/CO CDR/XO
b. Ensures no unnecessary blade down time
c. Knows CDRŐs intent and knows schedule.
d. Knows location of all elements in the BN/TF that require digging assets
e. Ensures CSS assets available to fix, fuel, feed the blades and their operators